DAIRY SCIENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVI, Issue 176, 26 June 1926, Page 10

DAIRY SCIENCE.

ADDRESS TO STUDENTS. The development of the casein industry was described in a very interesting lecture delivered by Mr J. W. Smith, instructor in dairying to the Department of Agriculture, at the Technical School last evening. Mr Smith prefaced his remarks by referring to the varied uses to which casein was put and also to the percentages of this valued ingredient' in the milk of various animals. He then dealt with the industry from the time the milk left the cow, until the casein was extracted, graded and ready for export. Samples of casein were shown in the various stages of manufacture, illustrating the lecture and the manifold processes involved in obtaining the finished article. Two kinds of casein were manufactured, the lecturer said—lactic acid and rennet casein. Mr Smith showed a sample of the first rennet casein made in New Zealand, and also a sample obtained recently. These evidenced the value of research and instruction in obtaining the type or grade to be desired. He also spoke of how, when he was in charge of a factory where the manufacture of casein was carried out, what at first appeared to be a lamentable mistake was a valuable discovery in the manufacture of rennet casein. The varied tests relative to grading for export which samples are subjected to, e.g., viscosity, acidity, fat percentage and albumen content, were dealt with. The uses of casein were then explained as embracing mill board for houses, playing cards, paints, distempers, glue and paste. Japan, he said, took approximately five tons of casein per month, and this was used in the preparation of scented soaps, boot polish, photographic materials and patent medicines. In Manchester, it was used for glossing buns and one ton of New Zealand casein was absorbed each month. It was also uesd for qombs, necklaces, buttons, cigarette holders and mouth-pieces for pipes, and would take’colours of all shades.

On concluding his address, Mr Smith was cordially thanked by Mr Stevenson,agricultural instructor at the Boys’ High School and Technical School.